Tofu spinach and nut stew

Recipe

Given to me by my beautiful friend Katie – she cooks this all the time, and now I do too it is fantastic!

Based on the groundnut/peanut stews of West Africa known as maafe. It is healthy, filling and full of good protein and so delicious. So flavourful. I cannot recommend this enough.

A great vegetarian/vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free meal – ticks all the boxes for everyone.

Easy for midweek cooking, and one of the top two dishes I cook for a care package when someone needs it.

Serves 8. V.Vg.DF.GF. Freezes well in portions.

Pictured: Tofu Spinach and Nut Stew

1 tbsp light olive oil

1 small red onion, finely chopped

3 celery sticks, finely chopped

1 small red capsicum, finely chopped

3 – 4 garlic, finely chopped

4 cm piece ginger, grated

2 ½ tbsp curry powder

A pinch of chilli powder (optional)

1x 400g tin diced tomatoes

1 litre vegetable stock

2 bay leaves

3 tbsp nut butter – organic peanut butter, almond butter or cashew etc – a mix of any

1 packet firm tofu, cut into 2cm cubes and lightly fried

200g of dark green leaves – i.e. spinach, beetroot leaves, kale

½ cup coriander leaves, lightly chopped

In a casserole pot add the oil with the onion, capsicum, and celery and “sweat” them gently – i.e. once sizzling lower the heat as low as possible and put the lid on for 5 – 10 minutes (this will trap all the flavour and will not brown the vegetables either).

Add the ginger, garlic, curry powder and chilli powder is using, and stir for a minute as it becomes fragrant.

Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, reduce the tomatoes a little for a few minutes to enhance the flavour.

Add the stock and bring to the boil – stir in the nut butter to incorporate.

Pictured: Tofu Spinach and Nut Stew

You can cook the recipe up to this point and refrigerate til required. Bring back to a simmering temp again.

Add the pre-cooked tofu, spinach, coriander and season the dish to your liking – check for salt as the nut butters may contain some.

Serve with steamed brown rice or couscous.